Electrical Connection Monitoring Using Cable Shielding

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for electrical connection monitoring using cable shielding are described. For example, a system may include a high-voltage power supply; a first high-voltage cable including a first conductor connected to the high-voltage power supply and a first shielding that encircles the first conductor; a second high-voltage cable including a second conductor connected to the high-voltage power supply and a second shielding that encircles the second conductor; and a continuity detection circuit connected to the first shielding and to the second shielding, wherein the second shielding is connected to the first shielding to form a loop with the continuity detection circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/075,231, filed on Oct. 20, 2020. The content of the foregoingapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to electrical connection monitoring using cableshielding.

BACKGROUND

It is desirable to have a way to monitor the connection status ofelectrical cables in order to provide the correct action for differentsituations. It becomes extremely important to have this monitoringmechanism on a high voltage circuit loop in order to ensure the safetyof the end user. Vehicle industries have been using the High VoltageInterlock Loop (HVIL) for many years. HVIL uses extra wires andconnectors to form a connection loop that passes through a set of cableconnections. When the connectivity of the HVIL loop is interrupted, theHVIL system indicates that at least one of the cable connectors in theloop has become disconnected from its mated connector. Typically, anHVIL system is not able to determine the location of a discontinuitywithin its loop and may need to shut down all modules connected on theloop.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are implementations of electrical connection monitoringusing cable shielding.

In a first aspect, the subject matter described in this specificationcan be embodied in systems that include a high-voltage power supply; afirst high-voltage cable including a first conductor connected to thehigh-voltage power supply and a first shielding that encircles the firstconductor; a second high-voltage cable including a second conductorconnected to the high-voltage power supply and a second shielding thatencircles the second conductor; and a continuity detection circuitconnected to the first shielding and to the second shielding, whereinthe second shielding is connected to the first shielding to form a loopwith the continuity detection circuit.

In a second aspect, the subject matter described in this specificationcan be embodied in systems that include a high-voltage power supply; ahigh-voltage cable including a conductor connected to the high-voltagepower supply and a shielding that encircles the conductor; and acontinuity detection circuit connected to the shielding, wherein thehigh-voltage power supply is part of a vehicle including a chassis thatis coupled to a ground node of the continuity detection circuit and thecontinuity detection circuit is connected to the shielding at a firstend of the high-voltage cable and the shielding is coupled to thechassis at a second end of the high-voltage cable, and wherein thecontinuity detection circuit is configured to drive current through theshielding that returns via the chassis.

In a third aspect, the subject matter described in this specificationcan be embodied in methods that include applying a voltage to ashielding of a cable; and monitoring connectivity of the cable bysensing changes in current flow through the shielding of the cable.

In a fourth aspect, the subject matter described in this specificationcan be embodied in systems that include a high-voltage power supply; ahigh-voltage cable including a conductor connected to the high-voltagepower supply and a shielding that encircles the conductor; and acontinuity detection circuit connected to the shielding.

In a fifth aspect, the subject matter described in this specificationcan be embodied in systems that include a cable including a conductorand a shielding that encircles the conductor; and a continuity detectioncircuit connected to the shielding

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Described herein are systems and methods for electrical connectionmonitoring using cable shielding.

The disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using cable shielding.

FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using cable shielding with a power supply that isshared by multiple load modules.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of two cables to form a loop.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of cables in series to form a loopthrough multiple peripheral modules.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of individual cables.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of a single cable to and a currentreturn path through a chassis.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of cables connected in series tomonitor multiple peripheral modules.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process for electrical connection monitoringusing cable shielding.

FIG. 8 shows illustrations of examples of electrical cable connectors.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system for electricalconnection monitoring using cable shielding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems and methods for electrical connectionmonitoring using cable shielding. Implementing cable connectivitymonitoring using cable shielding may enable individual monitoring of theconnection status of individual modules without adding costs, effort,and weight associated with low voltage wire harnesses of conventionalHIVL systems. Some implementations, may provide the benefits ofsimplifying harness connections and enabling the system to distinguishbetween different types of disruptions of continuity (e.g., shortcircuit conditions vs. open circuit conditions) which may be correlatedwith different events such as cable connector disconnects, wire damage,or vehicle crash events.

For example, the techniques using shielding to monitor cableconnectivity may be used in a variety of systems using different typesof shielded cables. For example, the techniques may be applied inhigh-voltage power distribution systems. In the high-voltage cablecontext, there is often a cable shielding for the purposeelectromagnetic interference (EMI) protection. Cable shielding istypically connected to a ground node as a drain without any real signalfunctionality. Utilizing this shielding for circuits monitoringconnectivity of the cables may enable removal the extra wires andconnectors from the system and provide the real-time high-voltagecircuits monitoring with individual module control. For example, thesetechniques and architectures may be used in vehicles (e.g., a car or atruck). These strategies may also be implemented in other types ofsystems that use cables which have shielding, like shielded alternatingcurrent (AC), Ethernet, or coaxial cable (e.g., for cable modems). Inthe past, integrated connectivity monitoring architectures havetypically been used in high-voltage systems for safety reasons thatjustified the use of resources, so it is called HVIL. However, thetechniques and architecture described herein may also be used to monitorlow-voltage circuits. For example, three-phase cable for motors, 48-Voltsystems, and robust autonomous systems, among others.

Some implementations of the systems and methods describe herein mayprovide advantages, such as, cuts to a cable or other cable damage maybe detected as fault conditions using a continuity detection circuitconnected to shielding of the cable. For example, the use of additionalwiring to high-voltage connectors that attach the high-voltage cablesthat is typical of traditional HVIL systems may be avoided. For example,individual monitoring of load modules may be enabled. Someimplementations may distinguish between open circuit and short circuitconditions, which may enable different handling of different types ofdisruptions of an electrical connection through a cable by selectingdifferent actions in response.

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 100 forelectrical connection monitoring using cable shielding. The system 100includes a high-voltage distribution unit (HVDU) 102 (e.g., a batterypack) that is connected to two peripheral or load modules—a heatermodule 104 and a compressor module 106—via high-voltage cables. Thehigh-voltage distribution unit 102 includes a first high-voltage powersupply 110 and a second high-voltage power supply 112. The high-voltagedistribution unit 102 includes a controller 130 of the high-voltagedistribution unit 102. The system 100 includes a first high-voltagecable including a first conductor 140 connected to the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110 and a first shielding 150 that encirclesthe first conductor 140. The system 100 includes a second high-voltagecable including a second conductor 142 connected to the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110 and a second shielding 152 that encirclesthe second conductor 142. The system 100 includes a third high-voltagecable including a third conductor 144 connected to the secondhigh-voltage power supply 112 and a third shielding 154 that encirclesthe third conductor 144. The system 100 includes a fourth high-voltagecable including a fourth conductor 146 connected to the secondhigh-voltage power supply 112 and a fourth shielding 156 that encirclesthe fourth conductor 146. The system 100 includes a continuity detectioncircuit 160 connected to the first shielding 150 and to the secondshielding 152. The second shielding 152 is connected to the firstshielding 150 to form a loop with the continuity detection circuit 160.The continuity detection circuit 160 is connected to the third shielding154 and to the fourth shielding 156. The fourth shielding 156 isconnected to the third shielding 154 to form a loop with the continuitydetection circuit 160. The system 100 may be configured to monitorconnection status for the cables of a loop, including interruptionscaused by cuts or other damage to the cables themselves and theirconnections to the high-voltage distribution unit 102 and theirrespective peripheral module. In some implementations, the system 100 ispart a vehicle. For example, the system 100 may be used to implement theprocess 700 of FIG. 7 .

The system 100 includes a first high-voltage power supply 110. The firsthigh-voltage power supply 110 includes a positive terminal and anegative terminal. For example, the first high-voltage power supply 110may be configured as a voltage source providing a direct current voltagegreater than 60 Volts. In some implementations, the first high-voltagepower supply 110 provides power at a direct current voltage greater than1500 Volts. For example, the first high-voltage power supply 110 may beconfigured as a voltage source providing an alternating current voltagegreater than 30 Volts. In some implementations, the first high-voltagepower supply 110 provides power at an alternating current root meansquare voltage greater than 1000 Volts. For example, the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110 may be configured as a current source. Forexample, the first high-voltage power supply 110 may include ahigh-voltage battery. The first high-voltage power supply 110 is part ofa high-voltage distribution unit 102 that is configured to provide powerat high voltages to peripheral modules (e.g., peripheral modules in avehicle). The first high-voltage power supply 110 is configured toprovide power to the heater module 104. In this example, thehigh-voltage distribution unit 102 also includes a second high-voltagepower supply 112. The second high-voltage power supply 112 is configuredto provide power to the compressor module 106.

For example, the high-voltage distribution unit 102 may house the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110, the second high-voltage power supply 112,and the continuity detection circuit 160.

The system 100 includes a first high-voltage cable including a firstconductor 140 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 110 and afirst shielding 150 that encircles the first conductor 140. For example,the first high-voltage cable may be a coaxial cable with the firstconductor 140 as an inner, central conductor and the first shielding 150as a concentric conducting shield that is separated from the firstconductor 140 by a concentric dielectric insulator. The firsthigh-voltage cable may also include a protective outer sheath (e.g., aplastic jacket) that encircles the first shielding 150. For example, thefirst shielding 150 may be made of copper or aluminum tape or conductingpolymer. The first shielding 150 may act as a Faraday cage to reduceelectromagnetic radiation. In this example, the first conductor 140 isconnected to a positive terminal of the first high-voltage power supply110 in the high-voltage distribution unit 102.

The system 100 includes a second high-voltage cable including a secondconductor 142 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 110 and asecond shielding 152 that encircles the second conductor 142. Forexample, the second high-voltage cable may be a coaxial cable with thesecond conductor 142 as an inner, central conductor and the secondshielding 152 as a concentric conducting shield that is separated fromthe second conductor 142 by a concentric dielectric insulator. Thesecond high-voltage cable may also include a protective outer sheath(e.g., a plastic jacket) that encircles the second shielding 152. Forexample, the second shielding 152 may be made of copper or aluminum tapeor conducting polymer. The second shielding 152 may act as a Faradaycage to reduce electromagnetic radiation. In this example, the secondconductor 142 is connected to a negative terminal of the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110 in the high-voltage distribution unit 102.

The first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable may beused to connect the high-voltage distribution unit 102 to the heatermodule 104. When these cables are properly connected, the firstconductor 140 and the second conductor 142 may bear current to and fromthe heater module 104 to supply electrical power to the heater module104.

Similarly, the system 100 includes a third high-voltage cable includinga third conductor 144 connected to the second high-voltage power supply112 and a third shielding 154 that encircles the third conductor 144.The system 100 includes a fourth high-voltage cable including a fourthconductor 146 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 112 anda fourth shielding 156 that encircles the fourth conductor 146. In thisexample, the third conductor 144 is connected to a positive terminal andthe fourth conductor 146 is connected to a negative terminal of thesecond high-voltage power supply 112 in the high-voltage distributionunit 102. The third high-voltage cable and the fourth high-voltage cablemay be used to connect the high-voltage distribution unit 102 to thecompressor module 106. When these cables are properly connected, thethird conductor 144 and the fourth conductor 146 may bear current to andfrom the compressor module 106 to supply electrical power to thecompressor module 106.

The system 100 includes a continuity detection circuit 160 connected tothe first shielding 150 and to the second shielding 152. The secondshielding 152 is connected to the first shielding 150 to form a loopwith the continuity detection circuit 160. For example, the secondshielding 152 may be connected to the first shielding 150 via a jumperin a connector that attaches the first high-voltage cable and the secondhigh-voltage cable to the heater module 104. In some implementations,the second shielding 152 may be connected to the first shielding 150 viaa wire inside the heater module 104. For example, the second shielding152 may be connected to the first shielding 150 in the loop with thecontinuity detection circuit 160 as described in FIG. 2 . The continuitydetection circuit 160 may have any of a variety of topologies forcontinuity detection. For example, the continuity detection circuit 160may include a low-voltage current source that drives current through theloop that includes the first shielding 150 and the second shielding 152and a high-impedance voltmeter configured to measure the current flowingthrough this loop. In some implementations, a general-purposeinput/output (GPIO) pin of an integrated circuit is configured as partof the continuity detection circuit 160 to supply current or voltagethat are applied to the loop including the first shielding 150 and thesecond shielding 152 and/or a GPIO pin is configured as part of thecontinuity detection circuit 160 to measure voltage or current thatflows through this loop. When the expected current is found to flowthrough the loop including the first shielding 150 and the secondshielding 152 and the continuity detection circuit 160, the continuitydetection circuit 160 determines that the first high-voltage cable andsecond high-voltage cable are properly attached between the high-voltagedistribution unit 102 and the heater module 104. When an interruption inthis expected current flow through this loop is detected by thecontinuity detection circuit 160, then the continuity detection circuit160 determines that an error condition has manifested on the firstshielding 150 and/or the second shielding 152. For example, ahigh-voltage connector that attaches the first shielding 150 and/or thesecond shielding 152 to the high-voltage distribution unit 102 or to theheater module 104 may become disconnected from a mated connecter, whichmay be detected as an error or interruption condition by the continuitydetection circuit 160. For example, the first shielding 150 or thesecond shielding 152 may become cut or severed somewhere along theirlength, which may be detected as an error or interruption condition bythe continuity detection circuit 160.

In either of these two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cablebecomes disconnected), the controller 130 of the high-voltagedistribution unit 102 may be configured to take a corrective actionresponsive to the continuity detection circuit 160 detecting that afault condition has occurred. In some implementations, the controller130 may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thefirst high-voltage power supply 110 through the first conductor 140 andthe second conductor 142 responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity by the continuity detection circuit 160. For example, thecontroller 130 may include a safety circuit configured to, responsive todetection of a disruption of continuity by the continuity detectioncircuit 160, stop current flow from the high-voltage power supply 110through the first conductor 140.

For example, the high-voltage power supply 110 may be part of a vehicle(e.g., a car or a truck) including a chassis that is coupled to a groundnode of the continuity detection circuit 160. In some implementations,the system 100 includes a high-voltage module connector that attachesthe first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable to a loadmodule (e.g., the heater module 104), and a jumper in the high-voltagemodule connector that connects the first shielding 150 and the secondshielding 152.

In some implementations, the continuity detection circuit 160 has directcurrent isolation from a ground node of the high-voltage power supply110. For example, the continuity detection circuit 160 and the firstshielding 150 and the second shielding 152 may be connected as shown inthe example system 200 of FIG. 2 .

Similarly, the continuity detection circuit 160 may be connected to thethird high-voltage cable and the fourth high-voltage cable to form asecond loop for monitoring electrical connection status between thehigh-voltage distribution unit 102 and the compressor module 106. Thecontinuity detection circuit 160 may be configured to detect either ofthe two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cable becomesdisconnected) and the controller 130 of the high-voltage distributionunit 102 may be configured to take a corrective action responsive to thecontinuity detection circuit 160 detecting that a fault condition hasoccurred on the second loop. In some implementations, the controller 130may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thesecond high-voltage power supply 112 through the third conductor 144 andthe fourth conductor 146 responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity by the continuity detection circuit 160. For example, thecontroller 130 may include a safety circuit configured to, responsive todetection of a disruption of continuity by the continuity detectioncircuit 160, stop current flow from the high-voltage power supply 112through the third conductor 144.

In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 1A), the continuity detectioncircuit 160 may be housed in a load module (e.g., the heater module 104or the compressor module 106) rather than in the high-voltagedistribution unit 102. For example, a system may include a high-voltagedistribution unit that houses the high-voltage power supply (e.g., thehigh-voltage power supply 110), where the high-voltage distribution unitis attached to a first end of the first high-voltage cable; and a loadmodule that houses a continuity detection circuit (e.g., the continuitydetection circuit 160), where the load module is attached to a secondend of the first high-voltage cable.

The system 100 may provide advantages over conventional High VoltageInterlock Loop (HVIL) systems. For example, cuts to a cable or othercable damage may be detected as fault conditions using the continuitydetection circuit 160 in the loop with the first shielding 150 and thesecond shielding 152. For example, the use of additional wiring tohigh-voltage connectors that attach the high-voltage cables that istypical of traditional HVIL systems may be avoided. For example, thesystem 100 may enable individual monitoring of load modules, such as theheater module 104 or the compressor module 106.

FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 180 forelectrical connection monitoring using cable shielding with a powersupply that is shared by multiple load modules. The system includes ahigh-voltage distribution unit (HVDU) 182 that includes a high-voltagepower supply 184 that is supplies power to multiple load modules (i.e.,the heater module 104 and the compressor module 106). For example, thehigh-voltage power supply 184 may include a direct current (DC) voltagesource that supplies current to its load modules in parallel. In someimplementations, the first conductor 140 and the third conductor 144 maybe connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply184 by respective switches (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1B) that can beopened to individually disconnect the first conductor 140 or the thirdconductor 144 from the high-voltage power supply 184 and stop the flowof current from the high-voltage power supply 184 through the firstconductor 140 or the third conductor 144 to its respective load module.Similarly, the second conductor 142 and the fourth conductor 146 may beconnected to the negative terminal of the high-voltage power supply 184by respective switches (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1B) that can beopened to individually disconnect the second conductor 142 or the fourthconductor 146 from the high-voltage power supply 184.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 200 for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of two cables to form a loop. Thesystem 200 includes a controller 202 in a high-voltage distribution unit203 (e.g., a high-voltage distribution unit in a vehicle) and a loadmodule 204 that receives electrical power from the high-voltagedistribution unit 203. The high-voltage distribution unit 203 and theload module 204 are connected via high-voltages cables that include afirst shielding 210 and a second shielding 212. At the high-voltagedistribution unit 203, a first connector 220 attaches a first end ofhigh-voltage cables to the high-voltage distribution unit 203. At theload module 204, a second connector 222 attaches a second end ofhigh-voltage cables to the load module 204. The controller 202 includesa continuity detection circuit 230 (e.g., the continuity detectioncircuit 160) that is connected, via the first connector 220, to thefirst shielding 210 and the second shielding 212 to form a loop formonitoring the electrical connection status for the load module 204. Thefirst shielding 210 is coupled via the first connector 220 and analternating current coupling capacitor 250 to a ground node 240 in thehigh-voltage distribution unit 203. The second shielding 212 is coupledvia the first connector 220 and an alternating current couplingcapacitor 252 to the ground node 240 in the high-voltage distributionunit 203. In the load module 204, the first shielding 210 and the secondshielding 212 are connected to each other via the second connector 222to form the loop for monitoring the electrical connection status. Thefirst shielding 210 and the second shielding 212 are coupled via thesecond connector 222 and an alternating current coupling capacitor 254to a ground node 240 in the load module 204. For example, thealternating current coupling capacitors 250, 252, and 254 may serve toreduce radiation from the first shielding 210 and the second shielding212 and prevent or mitigate electromagnetic interference. For example,the system 200 may be used to implement the process 700 of FIG. 7 .

For example, the first connector 220 may include a high-voltage harnessconnector mated with a high-voltage header connector. The firstconnector 220 may be configured to internally keep the first shielding210 isolated from the second shielding 212. For example, the firstconnector 220 may include the high-voltage harness connector 860 of FIG.8 . For example, the second connector 222 may include a high-voltageharness connector mated with a high-voltage header connector. The secondconnector 222 may be configured to internally connect the firstshielding 210 to the second shielding 212 (e.g., using a jumper or aninternal metal plate that connects to both shieldings 210 and 212). Forexample, the second connector 222 may include the high-voltage harnessconnector 830 of FIG. 8 .

For example, the ground node 240 of the high-voltage distribution unit203 may be a ground node of a power supply of the high-voltagedistribution unit 203. In some implementations, the continuity detectioncircuit 230 may have direct current isolation from a ground node of thehigh-voltage power supply (e.g., the high-voltage power supply 110). Forexample, the alternating current coupling capacitor 250 may couple thefirst shielding 210 to a ground node 240 (e.g., a ground node of thehigh-voltage power supply). For example, the alternating currentcoupling capacitor 252 may couple the second shielding 212 to a groundnode 240 (e.g., a ground node of the high-voltage power supply). In someimplementations, the system 200 is part a vehicle and the ground node244 of the load module 204 is connected to the ground node 240 of thehigh-voltage distribution unit 203 via a chassis of the vehicle.

Conductors in the high-voltage distribution unit 203 that connect, viathe first connector 220, the first shielding 210 and the secondshielding 212 to the continuity detection circuit 230 and theirrespective alternating current coupling capacitors (250 and 252) may be,for example, wires or traces on a printed circuit board (PCB). Asdescribed in relation to the continuity detection circuit 160 above, thecontinuity detection circuit 230 may have a variety of topologies. Forexample, the continuity detection circuit 230 may include a currentsensor or voltage sensor for monitoring the circuit continuity aroundthe loop that includes the continuity detection circuit 230 and thefirst shielding 210 and the second shielding 212.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 300 for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of cables in series to form a loopthrough multiple peripheral modules. The system 300 includes ahigh-voltage distribution unit (HVDU) 302 that is connected to twoperipheral or load modules—the heater module 104 and the compressormodule 106—via high-voltage cables. The high-voltage distribution unit302 includes the first high-voltage power supply 110 and the secondhigh-voltage power supply 112. The high-voltage distribution unit 302includes a controller 130 of the high-voltage distribution unit 302. Thesystem 300 includes the first high-voltage cable including the firstconductor 140 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 110 andthe first shielding 150 that encircles the first conductor 140. Thesystem 100 includes the second high-voltage cable including the secondconductor 142 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 110 andthe second shielding 152 that encircles the second conductor 142. Thesystem 300 includes the third high-voltage cable including the thirdconductor 144 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 112 andthe third shielding 154 that encircles the third conductor 144. Thesystem 300 includes the fourth high-voltage cable including the fourthconductor 146 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 112 andthe fourth shielding 156 that encircles the fourth conductor 146. Thesystem 300 includes a continuity detection circuit 360 connected to thefirst shielding 150 and to the fourth shielding 156. The secondshielding 152 is connected to the first shielding 150 at the heatermodule 104, the second shielding 152 is connected to the third shielding154 via the conductor 370 in the high-voltage distribution unit 302, andthe third shielding 154 is connected to the fourth shielding 156 at thecompressor module 106 to form a loop with the continuity detectioncircuit 360. This loop includes shielding for connections to multipleload modules arranged in series. The system 300 may be configured tomonitor connection status for the cables of this loop, includinginterruptions caused by cuts or other damage to the cables themselvesand their connections to the high-voltage distribution unit 302 andtheir respective peripheral module. In some implementations, the system300 is part a vehicle. For example, the system 300 may be used toimplement the process 700 of FIG. 7 .

Comparing the system 300 to the system 100 of FIG. 1A, the loop beingmonitored for continuity is expanded to include one or more additionalshieldings (e.g., the third shielding 154 and the fourth shielding 156),of additional high-voltage cables, that are connected in series to formthe loop with the continuity detection circuit. These additionalshieldings may be associated with connections to additional load modules(e.g., the compressor module 106).

For example, the high-voltage distribution unit 302 may house the firsthigh-voltage power supply 110, the second high-voltage power supply 112,and the continuity detection circuit 360.

The system 300 includes a continuity detection circuit 360 connected tothe first shielding 150 and to the fourth shielding 156. The secondshielding 152 is connected to the first shielding 150 at the heatermodule 104, the second shielding 152 is connected to the third shielding154 via the conductor 370 in the high-voltage distribution unit 302, andthe third shielding 154 is connected to the fourth shielding 156 at thecompressor module 106 to form a loop with the continuity detectioncircuit 360. For example, the second shielding 152 may be connected tothe first shielding 150 via a jumper in a connector that attaches thefirst high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable to the heatermodule 104. In some implementations, the second shielding 152 may beconnected to the first shielding 150 via a wire inside the heater module104. For example, the second shielding 152 may be connected to the firstshielding 150 as described in FIG. 2 . The third shielding 154 may beconnected to the fourth shielding 156 in at the compressor module 106 ina similar manner. For example, the conductor 370 may include a trace onprinted circuit board and/or a wire in the high-voltage distributionunit 302. The conductor 370 may connect to the second shielding 152 andthe third shielding 154 through respective connectors at thehigh-voltage distribution unit 302 (e.g., as described in relation thefirst connector 220 of FIG. 2 ). The continuity detection circuit 360may have any of a variety of topologies for continuity detection. Forexample, the continuity detection circuit 360 may include a low-voltagecurrent source that drives current through the loop that includes thefirst shielding 150, the second shielding 152, the third shielding 154,and the fourth shielding 156. For example, the continuity detectioncircuit 360 may also include a high-impedance voltmeter configured tomeasure the current flowing through this loop. In some implementations,a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of an integrated circuit isconfigured as part of the continuity detection circuit 360 to supplycurrent or voltage that are applied to the loop and/or a GPIO pin isconfigured as part of the continuity detection circuit 360 to measurecurrent or voltage that flow through this loop. When the expectedcurrent is found to flow through the loop including the shielding forcables attached to multiple load modules, the continuity detectioncircuit 360 determines that the first high-voltage cable, the secondhigh-voltage cable, the third high-voltage cable, and the fourthhigh-voltage cable are properly attached between the high-voltagedistribution unit 302 and their respective load modules (e.g., theheater module 104 and the compressor module 106). When an interruptionin this expected current flow through this loop is detected by thecontinuity detection circuit 360, then the continuity detection circuit360 determines that an error condition has manifested on the firstshielding 150, the second shielding 152, the third shielding 154, and/orthe fourth shielding 156. For example, a high-voltage connector thatattaches the first shielding 150 and/or the second shielding 152 to thehigh-voltage distribution unit 302 or to the heater module 104 maybecome disconnected from a mated connecter, which may be detected as anerror or interruption condition by the continuity detection circuit 160.For example, a high-voltage connector that attaches the third shielding154 and/or the fourth shielding 156 to the high-voltage distributionunit 302 or to the compressor module 106 may become disconnected from amated connecter, which may be detected as an error or interruptioncondition by the continuity detection circuit 360. For example, thefirst shielding 150, the second shielding 152, the third shielding 154,or the fourth shielding 156 may become cut or severed somewhere alongtheir length, which may be detected as an error or interruptioncondition by the continuity detection circuit 360.

In either of these two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cablebecomes disconnected), the controller 330 of the high-voltagedistribution unit 302 may be configured to take a corrective actionresponsive to the continuity detection circuit 360 detecting that afault condition has occurred. In some implementations, the controller330 may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thefirst high-voltage power supply 110 through the first conductor 140 andthe second conductor 142 and stop the flow of high-voltage current fromthe second high-voltage power supply 112 through the third conductor 144and the fourth conductor 146 responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity by the continuity detection circuit 360. For example, thecontroller 330 may include a safety circuit configured to, responsive todetection of a disruption of continuity by the continuity detectioncircuit 360, stop current flow from the high-voltage power supply 110through the first conductor 140.

For example, the high-voltage power supply 110 may be part of a vehicle(e.g., a car or a truck) including a chassis that is coupled to a groundnode of the continuity detection circuit 360. In some implementations,the system 300 includes a high-voltage module connector that attachesthe first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable to a loadmodule (e.g., the heater module 104), and a jumper in the high-voltagemodule connector that connects the first shielding 150 and the secondshielding 152.

In some implementations, the continuity detection circuit 360 has directcurrent isolation from a ground node of the high-voltage power supply110. For example, the continuity detection circuit 360 and the firstshielding 150, the second shielding 152, the third shielding 154, andthe fourth shielding 156 may be coupled to one or more ground nodes viacapacitors as shown in the example system 200 of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 400 for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of individual cables. The system400 includes a high-voltage distribution unit (HVDU) 402 (e.g., abattery pack) that is connected to two peripheral or load modules—aheater module 404 and a compressor module 406—via high-voltage cables.The high-voltage distribution unit 402 includes a first high-voltagepower supply 410 and a second high-voltage power supply 412. Thehigh-voltage distribution unit 402 includes a controller 430 of thehigh-voltage distribution unit 402. The system 400 includes a firsthigh-voltage cable including a first conductor 440 connected to thefirst high-voltage power supply 410 and a first shielding 450 thatencircles the first conductor 440. The system 400 includes a secondhigh-voltage cable including a second conductor 442 connected to thefirst high-voltage power supply 410 and a second shielding 452 thatencircles the second conductor 442. The system 400 includes a thirdhigh-voltage cable including a third conductor 444 connected to thesecond high-voltage power supply 412 and a third shielding 454 thatencircles the third conductor 444. The system 400 includes a fourthhigh-voltage cable including a fourth conductor 446 connected to thesecond high-voltage power supply 412 and a fourth shielding 456 thatencircles the fourth conductor 446. The system 400 includes a continuitydetection circuit 460 connected to the first shielding 450. The firsthigh-voltage power supply 410 may be part of a vehicle including achassis that is coupled to a ground node 474 of the continuity detectioncircuit 460 and the continuity detection circuit 460 is connected to thefirst shielding 450 at a first end of the high-voltage cable and thefirst shielding 450 is coupled to the chassis at a second end of thehigh-voltage cable. The continuity detection circuit 460 may beconfigured to drive current through the first shielding 450 that returnsvia the chassis. For example, the chassis may be connected to a groundnode 470 of the heater module 404 and the first shielding 450 may becoupled to the chassis at the ground node 470 via a first resistor 480.The continuity detection circuit 460 is connected to the third shielding454. The second high-voltage power supply 412 may be part of the vehicleincluding the chassis that is coupled to the ground node 474 of thecontinuity detection circuit 460 and the continuity detection circuit460 is connected to the third shielding 454 at a first end of thehigh-voltage cable and the third shielding 454 is coupled to the chassisat a second end of the high-voltage cable. The continuity detectioncircuit 460 may be configured to drive current through the firstshielding 450 that returns via the chassis. For example, the chassis maybe connected to a ground node 472 of the compressor module 406 and thethird shielding 454 may be coupled to the chassis at the ground node 472via a second resistor 482. The system 400 may be configured to monitorconnection status for the cables that are individually connected to thecontinuity detection circuit 460, including interruptions caused by cutsor other damage to the cables themselves and their connections to thehigh-voltage distribution unit 402 and their respective peripheralmodule. In some implementations, the system 400 is part a vehicle. Forexample, the system 400 may be used to implement the process 700 of FIG.7 .

The system 400 includes a first high-voltage power supply 410. The firsthigh-voltage power supply 410 includes a positive terminal and anegative terminal. For example, the first high-voltage power supply 410may be configured as a voltage source providing a direct current voltagegreater than 60 Volts. In some implementations, the first high-voltagepower supply 410 provides power at a direct current voltage greater than1500 Volts. For example, the first high-voltage power supply 410 may beconfigured as a voltage source providing an alternating current voltagegreater than 30 Volts. In some implementations, the first high-voltagepower supply 410 provides power at an alternating current root meansquare voltage greater than 1000 Volts. For example, the firsthigh-voltage power supply 410 may be configured as a current source. Forexample, the first high-voltage power supply 410 may include ahigh-voltage battery. The first high-voltage power supply 410 is part ofa high-voltage distribution unit 402 that is configured to provide powerat high voltages to peripheral modules (e.g., peripheral modules in avehicle). The first high-voltage power supply 410 is configured toprovide power to the heater module 404. In this example, thehigh-voltage distribution unit 402 also includes a second high-voltagepower supply 412. The second high-voltage power supply 412 is configuredto provide power to the compressor module 406.

For example, the high-voltage distribution unit 402 may house the firsthigh-voltage power supply 410, the second high-voltage power supply 412,and the continuity detection circuit 460.

The system 400 includes a first high-voltage cable including a firstconductor 440 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 410 and afirst shielding 450 that encircles the first conductor 440. For example,the first high-voltage cable may be a coaxial cable with the firstconductor 440 as an inner, central conductor and the first shielding 450as a concentric conducting shield that is separated from the firstconductor 440 by a concentric dielectric insulator. The firsthigh-voltage cable may also include a protective outer sheath (e.g., aplastic jacket) that encircles the first shielding 450. For example, thefirst shielding 450 may be made of copper or aluminum tape or conductingpolymer. The first shielding 450 may act as a Faraday cage to reduceelectromagnetic radiation. In this example, the first conductor 440 isconnected to a positive terminal of the first high-voltage power supply410 in the high-voltage distribution unit 402.

The system 400 includes a second high-voltage cable including a secondconductor 442 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 410 and asecond shielding 452 that encircles the second conductor 442. In thisexample, the second conductor 442 is connected to a negative terminal ofthe first high-voltage power supply 410 in the high-voltage distributionunit 402. In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 4 ), the secondshielding 452 may also be connected to the continuity detection circuit460, which may also be used to individually monitor the electricalconnection of the second high-voltage cable in the same way it monitorsthe electrical connection of the first high-voltage cable using thefirst shielding 450. In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 4 ), asingle shielding (e.g., similar to the first shielding 450) may encircleboth the first conductor 440 and the second conductor 420. This singleshielding that is shared by the first conductor 440 and the secondconductor 420 may be used for monitoring the connection in the same waythe first shielding 450 is used monitor the connection of the firsthigh-voltage cable between the high-voltage distribution unit 402 andthe heater module 404.

The first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable may beused to connect the high-voltage distribution unit 402 to the heatermodule 404. When these cables are properly connected, the firstconductor 440 and the second conductor 442 may bear current to and fromthe heater module 404 to supply electrical power to the heater module404.

Similarly, the system 400 includes a third high-voltage cable includinga third conductor 444 connected to the second high-voltage power supply412 and a third shielding 454 that encircles the third conductor 444.The system 400 includes a fourth high-voltage cable including a fourthconductor 446 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 412 anda fourth shielding 456 that encircles the fourth conductor 446. In thisexample, the third conductor 444 is connected to a positive terminal andthe fourth conductor 446 is connected to a negative terminal of thesecond high-voltage power supply 412 in the high-voltage distributionunit 402. The third high-voltage cable and the fourth high-voltage cablemay be used to connect the high-voltage distribution unit 402 to thecompressor module 406. When these cables are properly connected, thethird conductor 444 and the fourth conductor 446 may bear current to andfrom the compressor module 406 to supply electrical power to thecompressor module 406.

The system 400 includes a continuity detection circuit 460 connected tothe first shielding 450. The high-voltage power supply 412 is part of avehicle including a chassis that is coupled to a ground node 474 of thecontinuity detection circuit 460 and the continuity detection circuit460 is connected to the shielding 450 at a first end of the high-voltagecable and the shielding 450 is coupled to the chassis at a second end ofthe high-voltage cable. The continuity detection circuit 460 may beconfigured to drive current through the shielding 450 that returns viathe chassis. In this example, the shielding 450 is coupled to thechassis via a resistor 480 in a load module (i.e., the heater module404) attached to the second end of the high-voltage cable. For example,the first shielding 450 may be connected with the continuity detectioncircuit 460 as described in FIG. 5 . The continuity detection circuit460 may have any of a variety of topologies for continuity detection.For example, the continuity detection circuit 460 may include alow-voltage current source that drives current through the firstshielding 450 and a high-impedance voltmeter configured to measure thevoltage of this shielding 450. In some implementations, ageneral-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of an integrated circuit isconfigured as part of the continuity detection circuit 460 to supplycurrent or voltage that are applied to the first shielding 450 and/or aGPIO pin is configured as part of the continuity detection circuit 460to measure voltage or current that flows through the first shielding450. When the expected current is found to flow normally through thefirst shielding 450 and the continuity detection circuit 460, thecontinuity detection circuit 460 determines that the first high-voltagecable is properly attached between the high-voltage distribution unit402 and the heater module 404. When an interruption in this expectedcurrent flow through the first shielding 450 is detected by thecontinuity detection circuit 460, then the continuity detection circuit460 determines that an error condition has manifested on the firstshielding 450. For example, a high-voltage connector that attaches thefirst shielding 450 and/or the second shielding 452 to the high-voltagedistribution unit 402 or to the heater module 404 may becomedisconnected from a mated connecter, which may be detected as an erroror interruption condition by the continuity detection circuit 460. Forexample, the first shielding 450 may become cut or severed somewherealong its length, which may be detected as an error or interruptioncondition by the continuity detection circuit 460.

For example, the continuity detection circuit 460 may be configured todetect states including an open circuit state and a state indicating ashort circuit of the shielding 450 to the chassis. In someimplementations, the continuity detection circuit 460 includes ahigh-impedance voltage meter in parallel with a low-voltage voltagesource (e.g., a 5 Volt source) that is in series with an output resistorbetween the ground node 474 and the first shielding 450. In this exampletopology, and with the resistor 480 coupling the first shielding 450 tothe ground node 470 in the heater module 404, the reading of the voltagemeter may be used to distinguish three cases: 1) 0 volts indicates ashort circuit (e.g., caused bay vehicle impact that has severed thefirst cable and brought the first shielding 450 in contact with thechassis); 2) voltage equal to the voltage source output (e.g., 5 Volts)indicates an open circuit condition (e.g., due to cable connector of thefirst high-voltage cable becoming disconnected); or 3) an intermediatevoltage (e.g., 2.5 Volts) from voltage division between the outputresistor and the resistor 480 indicates normal operation and currentflow through the first high-voltage cable to the heater module 404.

In either of these two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cablebecomes disconnected), the controller 430 of the high-voltagedistribution unit 402 may be configured to take a corrective actionresponsive to the continuity detection circuit 460 detecting that afault condition has occurred. In some implementations, the controller430 may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thefirst high-voltage power supply 410 through the first conductor 440responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity by the continuitydetection circuit 460. For example, the controller 430 may include asafety circuit configured to, responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity by the continuity detection circuit 460, stop current flowfrom the high-voltage power supply 410 through the first conductor 440.In some implementations, short circuit conditions and open circuitconditions may be distinguished and handle differently. For example, andopen circuit may trigger an immediate shutdown of the power supply foran implicated load module, while a short circuit condition may triggeran immediate shutdown of all adjacent power supplies, since it might bea vehicle crash scenario. For example, and open circuit may trigger awarning message and/or activation of maintenance needed indicator, whilea short circuit condition may trigger an immediate shutdown of one ormore power supplies or other systems.

In some implementations, the continuity detection circuit 460 has directcurrent isolation from a ground node of the high-voltage power supply410. For example, the continuity detection circuit 460 and the firstshielding 450 may be connected as shown in the example system 500 ofFIG. 5 .

Similarly, the continuity detection circuit 460 may be connected to thethird high-voltage cable to monitor electrical connection status betweenthe high-voltage distribution unit 402 and the compressor module 406.The continuity detection circuit 460 may be configured to detect eitherof the two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cable becomesdisconnected) and the controller 430 of the high-voltage distributionunit 402 may be configured to take a corrective action responsive to thecontinuity detection circuit 460 detecting that a fault condition hasoccurred along the third high-voltage cable. In some implementations,the controller 430 may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltagecurrent from the second high-voltage power supply 412 through the thirdconductor 444 responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity bythe continuity detection circuit 460. For example, the controller 430may include a safety circuit configured to, responsive to detection of adisruption of continuity by the continuity detection circuit 460, stopcurrent flow from the high-voltage power supply 412 through the thirdconductor 444.

In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 4 ), the continuity detectioncircuit 460 may be housed in a load module (e.g., the heater module 404or the compressor module 406) rather than in the high-voltagedistribution unit 402. For example, a system may include a high-voltagedistribution unit that houses the high-voltage power supply (e.g., thehigh-voltage power supply 410), where the high-voltage distribution unitis attached to a first end of the first high-voltage cable; and a loadmodule that houses a continuity detection circuit (e.g., the continuitydetection circuit 460), where the load module is attached to a secondend of the first high-voltage cable.

The system 400 may provide advantages over conventional High VoltageInterlock Loop (HVIL) systems. For example, cuts to a cable or othercable damage may be detected as fault conditions using the continuitydetection circuit 460 with the first shielding 450. For example, the useof additional wiring to high-voltage connectors that attach thehigh-voltage cables that is typical of traditional HVIL systems may beavoided. For example, the system 400 may enable individual monitoring ofload modules, such as the heater module 404 or the compressor module406. For example, the system 400 may distinguish between open circuitand short circuit conditions, which may enable different handling ofdifferent types of disruptions of an electrical connection through acable by selecting different actions in response.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 500 for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of a single cable to and a currentreturn path through a chassis. The system 500 includes a controller 502in a high-voltage distribution unit 503 in a vehicle (e.g., a car or atruck) and a load module 504 that receives electrical power from thehigh-voltage distribution unit 503. The high-voltage distribution unit503 and the load module 504 are connected via high-voltages cables thatinclude a first shielding 510 and a second shielding 512. At thehigh-voltage distribution unit 503, a first connector 520 attaches afirst end of high-voltage cables to the high-voltage distribution unit503. At the load module 504, a second connector 522 attaches a secondend of high-voltage cables to the load module 504. The controller 502includes a continuity detection circuit 530 (e.g., the continuitydetection circuit 460) that is connected, via the first connector 520,to the first shielding 510 to monitor the electrical connection statusfor the load module 504. The first shielding 510 is coupled via thefirst connector 520 and an alternating current coupling capacitor 550 toa ground node 540 in the high-voltage distribution unit 503. In the loadmodule 504, the first shielding 510 is coupled via the second connector522 and an alternating current coupling capacitor 552 to a ground node542 in the load module 504. For example, the alternating currentcoupling capacitors 550 and 552 may serve to reduce radiation from thefirst shielding 510 and prevent or mitigate electromagneticinterference. For example, the system 500 may be used to implement theprocess 700 of FIG. 7 .

For example, the first connector 520 may include a high-voltage harnessconnector mated with a high-voltage header connector. The firstconnector 520 may be configured to internally keep the first shielding510 isolated from the second shielding 512. For example, the firstconnector 520 may include the high-voltage harness connector 860 of FIG.8 . For example, the second connector 522 may include a high-voltageharness connector mated with a high-voltage header connector. The secondconnector 522 may be configured to internally keep the first shielding510 isolated from the second shielding 512. For example, the secondconnector 522 may include the high-voltage harness connector 860 of FIG.8 . In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 5 ), a single shielding(e.g., similar to the first shielding 510) may encircle multipleconductors used to convey power to the load module 504 and the secondshielding 512 may be omitted. For example, the single shielding may bepart of a multi-core cable. This single shielding that is shared may beused for monitoring the connection in the same way the first shielding510 is used monitor the connection of the first high-voltage cablebetween the high-voltage distribution unit 503 and the load module 504.

For example, the ground node 540 of the high-voltage distribution unit503 may be a ground node of a power supply of the high-voltagedistribution unit 503. In some implementations, the continuity detectioncircuit 530 may have direct current isolation from a ground node of thehigh-voltage power supply (e.g., the high-voltage power supply 110). Forexample, the alternating current coupling capacitor 550 may couple thefirst shielding 510 to a ground node 540 (e.g., a ground node of thehigh-voltage power supply). In some implementations, the system 500 ispart a vehicle and the ground node 542 of the load module 504 isconnected to the ground node 540 of the high-voltage distribution unit503 via a chassis of the vehicle.

Conductors in the high-voltage distribution unit 503 that connect, viathe first connector 520, the first shielding 510 to the continuitydetection circuit 530 and the respective alternating current couplingcapacitor 550 may be, for example, wires or traces on a printed circuitboard (PCB). As described in relation to the continuity detectioncircuit 460 above, the continuity detection circuit 530 may have avariety of topologies. For example, the continuity detection circuit 530may include a current sensor or voltage sensor for monitoring thecircuit continuity around a loop that includes the continuity detectioncircuit 530 and the first shielding 510 and a current return path 574through the chassis of the vehicle. The first shielding 510 is alsocoupled to a ground node 570 in the load module 504 via a resistor 560.The ground node 570 may be connected to the vehicle chassis and, throughthe chassis, to ground node 572 in the high-voltage distribution unit503. In some implementations (not shown in FIG. 5 ), the resistor 560may be omitted from the system 500 and the first shielding 510 may beconnected directly to the ground node 570.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 600 for electricalconnection monitoring using shielding of cables connected in series tomonitor multiple peripheral modules. The system 600 includes ahigh-voltage distribution unit (HVDU) 602 that is connected to twoperipheral or load modules—the heater module 604 and the compressormodule 606—via high-voltage cables. The high-voltage distribution unit602 includes the first high-voltage power supply 410 and the secondhigh-voltage power supply 412. The high-voltage distribution unit 602includes a controller 630 of the high-voltage distribution unit 602. Thesystem 600 includes the first high-voltage cable including the firstconductor 440 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 410 andthe first shielding 450 that encircles the first conductor 440. Thesystem 400 includes the second high-voltage cable including the secondconductor 442 connected to the first high-voltage power supply 410 andthe second shielding 452 that encircles the second conductor 442. Thesystem 600 includes the third high-voltage cable including the thirdconductor 444 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 412 andthe third shielding 454 that encircles the third conductor 444. Thesystem 600 includes the fourth high-voltage cable including the fourthconductor 446 connected to the second high-voltage power supply 412 andthe fourth shielding 456 that encircles the fourth conductor 446. Thesystem 600 includes a continuity detection circuit 660 connected to thefirst shielding 450. The first shielding 450 is connected to the thirdshielding 454 by a wire 650 that extends between the heater module 604and the compressor module 606, the third shielding 454 is coupled to aground node 670 in the high-voltage distribution unit 602 via a resistor680, and the ground node 670 is connected to the ground node 674 of thecontroller 630 (e.g., via the vehicle chassis) to form a loop with thecontinuity detection circuit 660 that uses the ground node 674. Thisloop includes shielding for connections to multiple load modulesarranged in series. The system 600 may be configured to monitorconnection status for the cables of this loop, including interruptionscaused by cuts or other damage to the cables themselves and theirconnections to the high-voltage distribution unit 602 and theirrespective peripheral module. In some implementations, the system 600 ispart a vehicle. For example, the system 600 may be used to implement theprocess 700 of FIG. 7 .

Comparing the system 600 to the system 400 of FIG. 4 , the loop beingmonitored for continuity is expanded to include one or more additionalshieldings (e.g., the third shielding 454), of additional high-voltagecables, that are connected in series to form the loop with thecontinuity detection circuit. These additional shieldings may beassociated with connections to additional load modules (e.g., thecompressor module 406).

For example, the high-voltage distribution unit 602 may house the firsthigh-voltage power supply 410, the second high-voltage power supply 412,and the continuity detection circuit 660.

The system 600 includes a continuity detection circuit 660 connected tothe first shielding 450. The first shielding 450 is connected to thethird shielding 454 by a wire 650 that extends between different loadmodules (i.e., the heater module 604 and the compressor module 606), thethird shielding 454 is coupled to a ground node 670 in the high-voltagedistribution unit 602 via a resistor 680, and the ground node 670 isconnected to the ground node 674 of the controller 630 (e.g., via thevehicle chassis) to form a loop with the continuity detection circuit660 that uses the ground node 674. The third shielding 454 is connectedin series with the first shielding 450, i.e., via the wire 650. Forexample, a conductor in the high-voltage distribution unit 602 thatconnects the third shielding 454 to the resistor 680 may include a traceon printed circuit board and/or a wire in the high-voltage distributionunit 602. This conductor may connect to the second shielding 452 and thethird shielding 454 through respective connectors at the high-voltagedistribution unit 602 (e.g., as described in relation the firstconnector 520 of FIG. 5 ). The continuity detection circuit 660 may haveany of a variety of topologies for continuity detection. For example,the continuity detection circuit 660 may include a low-voltage currentsource that drives current through the loop that includes the firstshielding 450 and the third shielding 454. For example, the continuitydetection circuit 660 may also include a high-impedance voltmeterconfigured to measure the current flowing through this loop. In someimplementations, a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of anintegrated circuit is configured as part of the continuity detectioncircuit 660 to supply current or voltage that are applied to the loopand/or a GPIO pin is configured as part of the continuity detectioncircuit 660 to measure current or voltage that flow through this loop.When the expected current is found to flow through the loop includingthe shielding for cables attached to multiple load modules, thecontinuity detection circuit 660 determines that the first high-voltagecable, the second high-voltage cable, the third high-voltage cable, andthe fourth high-voltage cable are properly attached between thehigh-voltage distribution unit 602 and their respective load modules(e.g., the heater module 604 and the compressor module 606). When aninterruption in this expected current flow through this loop is detectedby the continuity detection circuit 660, then the continuity detectioncircuit 660 determines that an error condition has manifested on thefirst shielding 450 and/or the third shielding 454. For example, ahigh-voltage connector that attaches the first shielding 450 and/or thesecond shielding 452 to the high-voltage distribution unit 602 or to theheater module 604 may become disconnected from a mated connecter, whichmay be detected as an error or interruption condition by the continuitydetection circuit 660. For example, a high-voltage connector thatattaches the third shielding 454 and/or the fourth shielding 456 to thehigh-voltage distribution unit 602 or to the compressor module 606 maybecome disconnected from a mated connecter, which may be detected as anerror or interruption condition by the continuity detection circuit 660.For example, the first shielding 450 or the third shielding 454 maybecome cut or severed somewhere along their length, which may bedetected as an error or interruption condition by the continuitydetection circuit 660.

In either of these two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cablebecomes disconnected), the controller 630 of the high-voltagedistribution unit 602 may be configured to take a corrective actionresponsive to the continuity detection circuit 660 detecting that afault condition has occurred. In some implementations, the controller630 may be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thefirst high-voltage power supply 410 through the first conductor 440 andthe second conductor 442 and stop the flow of high-voltage current fromthe second high-voltage power supply 412 through the third conductor 444and the fourth conductor 446 responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity by the continuity detection circuit 660. For example, thecontroller 630 may include a safety circuit configured to, responsive todetection of a disruption of continuity by the continuity detectioncircuit 660, stop current flow from the high-voltage power supply 410through the first conductor 440.

For example, the high-voltage power supply 410 may be part of a vehicle(e.g., a car or a truck) including a chassis that is coupled to theground node 674 of the continuity detection circuit 660. In someimplementations, the continuity detection circuit 660 has direct currentisolation from a ground node of the high-voltage power supply 410. Forexample, the continuity detection circuit 660 and the first shielding450, the second shielding 452, the third shielding 454, and the fourthshielding 456 may be coupled to one or more ground nodes via capacitorsas shown in the example system 200 of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process 700 for electrical connectionmonitoring using cable shielding. The process 700 includes applying 710a voltage to a shielding of a cable; monitoring 720 connectivity of thecable by sensing changes in current flow through the shielding of thecable; when (at step 725) a disruption of continuity is detected, then,responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity of the cable,stopping 730 current flow from a power supply through a conductor of thecable that is encircled by the shielding. The process 700 may provideadvantages over techniques for electrical connection monitoring usingconventional High Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) systems. For example,cuts to a cable or other cable damage may be detected as faultconditions using a continuity detection circuit with the shielding ofone or more cables. For example, the use of additional wiring tohigh-voltage connectors that attach the high-voltage cables that istypical of traditional HVIL systems may be avoided. For example, theprocess 700 may enable individual monitoring of load modules. In someimplementations, the process 700 may distinguish between open circuitand short circuit conditions, which may enable different handling ofdifferent types of disruptions of an electrical connection through acable by selecting different actions in response. For example, theprocess 700 may be implemented using the system 100 of FIG. 1A. Forexample, the process 700 may be implemented using the system 200 of FIG.2 . For example, the process 700 may be implemented using the system 300of FIG. 3 . For example, the process 700 may be implemented using thesystem 400 of FIG. 4 . For example, the process 700 may be implementedusing the system 500 of FIG. 5 . For example, the process 700 may beimplemented using the system 600 of FIG. 6 .

The process 700 includes applying 710 a voltage to a shielding of acable. The voltage may be a relatively low voltage in a system includingthe cable. In some implementations, the voltage applied to the shieldingis at least a factor often smaller than high voltage applied to aconductor of the cable that is encircled by the shielding. For example,the shielding of the cable may be connected to a continuity detectioncircuit, which may include a low-voltage current source or voltagesource that is configured to induce a voltage and/or a current in theshielding. For example, the induced voltage may be a low voltage (e.g.,5 volts or lower). For example, the induced voltage in the shielding maybe a direct current (DC) voltage or a low-frequency alternating current(AC) voltage. For example, this may result in an expected voltage and/orcurrent in the shielding as long as the desired arrangement of cables,including at least the cable in question, is maintained between a devicehousing the continuity detection circuit (e.g., a high-voltagedistribution unit) and one or more peripheral or load modules.

The process 700 includes monitoring 720 connectivity of the cable bysensing changes in current flow through the shielding of the cable. Forexample, when an indication of current flow through the shielding (e.g.,a measured current or a measured voltage in a continuity detectioncircuit connected to the shielding) deviates from an expected value bymore than a threshold amount for more than a threshold period of time, adisruption of continuity may be detected. For example, a disruption ofcontinuity may be caused by the cable becoming disconnected from amodule (e.g., disconnected from a high-voltage distribution unit or aload module) it was attached to. For example, a disruption of continuitymay be caused by the cable being cut or otherwise damage at some pointalong its length even while the harness connectors at both ends of thecable remain attached to their respective mated header connectors. Insome implementations, monitoring 720 connectivity of the cable mayinclude distinguishing between different types of disruptions ofcontinuity. For example, monitoring 720 connectivity of the cable mayinclude detecting a state from among a set of states including an opencircuit state and a state indicating a short circuit of the shielding toa chassis of a vehicle. For example, the different types of disruptionsof continuity may be distinguished as described in relation FIGS. 4 and5 .

If (at step 725) a disruption of continuity is not detected, then thecable is determined to be arranged about operating normally in a systemincluding the cable and the application of voltage to the shielding 710and monitoring 720 may continue.

If (at step 725) a disruption of continuity is not detected, then theprocess 700 includes, responsive to detection of a disruption ofcontinuity of the cable, stopping 730 current flow from a power supplythrough a conductor of the cable that is encircled by the shielding. Forexample, current flow from the power supply may be stopped 730 bydisabling or shutting down the power supply. In some implementations,the current flow may be stopped 730 by opening a switch that wasconnecting the conductor of the cable to the power supply. In someimplementations, the action taken in response to detection of adisruption of continuity depends on the type of disruption that Idetected. For example, where an open circuit condition is the type ofdisruption detected, the current flow to a single load module implicatedby the disruption may be stopped 730. For example, where a short circuitcondition is the type of disruption detected, the current flow to manyadjacent load modules in a vehicle may be stopped 730. This action maybe taken because a short circuit condition may be more likely to resultfrom accident that has damaged the vehicle and cut into the cable,bringing the shielding into contact with a vehicle chassis.

Step 730 is optional and may be omitted from the process 700 in someimplementations. For example, connectivity monitoring 720 using theshielding of a cable may be applied to cables electrical connection viacable in systems that use low voltages and present significantly lowersafety hazards (e.g., monitoring 720 connectivity of an Ethernet cableor a low-voltage shielded alternating current (AC) cable). In someimplementations, actions taken responsive to detection of a disruptionof continuity of the cable, may include presenting a warning message ora maintenance needed prompt to user via a user interface of the system.

FIG. 8 shows illustrations of examples of electrical cable connectors.The first connector 800 is a high-voltage harness connector illustratedfrom a perspective looking at the cable side of the connector 800. Thefirst connector includes electrically isolated shielding terminations810 and 820 for a pair of coaxial cables that will be attached to thefirst connector 800. The first shielding termination 810 is electricallyisolated from the second shielding termination 820 in the sense that theterminations do not directly connect to each other, although in someimplementations they may be electrically connected by another part(e.g., a jumper) of the first connector 800 or another component of alarger system in which the first connector 800 is used.

A second connector 830 is illustrated from a perspective looking at themodule/terminal side of the connector 830. The second connector 830 is ahigh-voltage harness connector with a continuous metal plate 850 thatelectrically connects two shielding terminations for a pair of coaxialcables that will be attached to the second connector 830. For example,the second connector 830 may be used as a loop connector to connect afirst shielding and a second shielding attached to the second connector830.

A third connector 860 is illustrated from a perspective looking at themodule/terminal side of the connector 860. The third connector 860 is ahigh-voltage harness connector with isolated metal plates 880 and 882that connect to respective shielding terminations for a pair of coaxialcables that will be attached to the third connector 860. For example,the third connector 860 may be used as an individual isolation connectorto keep a first shielding and a second shielding attached to the thirdconnector 860 isolated as they are connected through the third connector860 to a high-voltage distribution unit or a load module.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of an example of a system 900 for electricalconnection monitoring using cable shielding. The system 900 includes abattery pack 902 that is connected to six peripheral or load modules(903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, and 909) via high-voltage cables. Thebattery pack 902 includes a high-voltage battery 910. The battery pack902 includes a penthouse 930 of the battery pack 902. The system 900includes a first high-voltage cable including a first conductor 940connected to the high-voltage battery 910 and a first shielding 950 thatencircles the first conductor 940. The system 900 includes a secondhigh-voltage cable including a second conductor 942 connected to thehigh-voltage battery 910 and a second shielding 952 that encircles thesecond conductor 942. The system 900 includes a third high-voltage cableincluding a third conductor 944 and a fourth conductor 946 connected tothe high-voltage battery 910 and a third shielding 953 that encirclesthe third conductor 944 and the fourth conductor 946. For example, thethird high-voltage cable may be a multi-core cable. The system 900includes a fourth high-voltage cable (e.g., a multi-core cable)including a pair of conductors connected to the high-voltage battery 910and a fourth shielding 954 that encircles this pair of conductors. Thesystem 900 includes a fifth high-voltage cable (e.g., a multi-corecable) including a pair of conductors connected to the high-voltagebattery 910 and a fifth shielding 955 that encircles this pair ofconductors. The system 900 includes a sixth high-voltage cable (e.g., amulti-core cable) including a pair of conductors connected to thehigh-voltage battery 910 and a sixth shielding 956 that encircles thispair of conductors. The system 900 includes a seventh high-voltage cable(e.g., a multi-core cable) including a pair of conductors connected tothe high-voltage battery 910 and a seventh shielding 957 that encirclesthis pair of conductors. The system 900 includes a continuity detectioncircuit 960 connected to the first shielding 950 and to the secondshielding 952. The second shielding 952 is connected to the firstshielding 950 at a first high-voltage module 904 to form a loop with thecontinuity detection circuit 960. The continuity detection circuit 960is connected to the third shielding 953 and to the fourth shielding 954.The fourth shielding 954 is connected to the third shielding 953 via awire 970 extending between a second high-voltage module 905 and a thirdhigh-voltage module 906 to form a loop with the continuity detectioncircuit 960. The continuity detection circuit 960 is connected to theseventh shielding 957. The seventh shielding 957 is connected to thesixth shielding 956 via a wire 972 extending between a sixthhigh-voltage module 909 and a fifth high-voltage module 908, the sixthshielding 956 is connected to the fifth shielding 955 via a wire 974 inthe battery pack 902, and the fifth shielding 955 is connected to thecontinuity detection circuit 960 via a wire 976 extending between afourth high-voltage module 907 and the battery pack 902 to form a loopwith the continuity detection circuit 960. The system 900 may beconfigured to monitor connection status for the cables of a loop,including interruptions caused by cuts or other damage to the cablesthemselves and their connections to the battery pack 902 and theirrespective peripheral module. In some implementations, the system 900 ispart a vehicle. For example, the system 900 may be used to implement theprocess 700 of FIG. 7 .

The system 900 includes a high-voltage battery 910. The high-voltagebattery 910 includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Insome implementations, the high-voltage battery 910 provides power at adirect current voltage greater than 1500 Volts. The high-voltage battery910 is part of a battery pack 902 that is configured to provide power athigh voltages to peripheral modules (e.g., peripheral modules in avehicle). The high-voltage battery 910 is configured to provide power tothe first high-voltage module 904, the second high-voltage module 905,the third high-voltage module 906, the fourth high-voltage module 907,the fifth high-voltage module 908, and the sixth high-voltage module 909in parallel. For example, the battery pack 902 may house thehigh-voltage battery 910 and the continuity detection circuit 960.

The system 900 includes a first high-voltage cable including a firstconductor 940 connected to the high-voltage battery 910 and a firstshielding 950 that encircles the first conductor 940. For example, thefirst high-voltage cable may be a coaxial cable with the first conductor940 as an inner, central conductor and the first shielding 950 as aconcentric conducting shield that is separated from the first conductor940 by a concentric dielectric insulator. The first high-voltage cablemay also include a protective outer sheath (e.g., a plastic jacket) thatencircles the first shielding 950. For example, the first shielding 950may be made of copper or aluminum tape or conducting polymer. The firstshielding 950 may act as a Faraday cage to reduce electromagneticradiation. In this example, the first conductor 940 is connected to apositive terminal of the high-voltage battery 910 in the battery pack902.

The system 900 includes a second high-voltage cable including a secondconductor 942 connected to the high-voltage battery 910 and a secondshielding 952 that encircles the second conductor 942. For example, thesecond high-voltage cable may be a coaxial cable with the secondconductor 942 as an inner, central conductor and the second shielding952 as a concentric conducting shield that is separated from the secondconductor 942 by a concentric dielectric insulator. The firsthigh-voltage cable may also include a protective outer sheath (e.g., aplastic jacket) that encircles the second shielding 952. For example,the second shielding 952 may be made of copper or aluminum tape orconducting polymer. The second shielding 952 may act as a Faraday cageto reduce electromagnetic radiation. In this example, the secondconductor 942 is connected to a negative terminal of the high-voltagebattery 910 in the battery pack 902.

The first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable may beused to connect the battery pack 902 to the first high-voltage module904. When these cables are properly connected, the first conductor 940and the second conductor 942 may bear current to and from the firsthigh-voltage module 904 to supply electrical power to the firsthigh-voltage module 904.

The system 900 includes a third high-voltage cable including a thirdconductor 944 and a fourth conductor 946 connected to the high-voltagebattery 910 and a third shielding 953 that encircles the third conductor944 and the fourth conductor 946. For example, the third high-voltagecable may be a multi-core cable with the third conductor 944 and thefourth conductor 946 as an inner conductors and the third shielding 953as a conducting shield that is separated from the third conductor 944and the fourth conductor 946 by one or more dielectric insulators. Thethird high-voltage cable may also include a protective outer sheath(e.g., a plastic jacket) that encircles the third shielding 953. Forexample, the third shielding 953 may be made of copper or aluminum tapeor conducting polymer. The third shielding 953 may act as a Faraday cageto reduce electromagnetic radiation. In this example, the thirdconductor 944 is connected to a positive terminal and the fourthconductor 946 is connected to a negative terminal of the high-voltagebattery 910 in the battery pack 902. The third high-voltage cable may beused to connect the battery pack 902 to the second high-voltage module905. When this cable is properly connected, the third conductor 944 andthe fourth conductor 946 may bear current to and from the secondhigh-voltage module 905 to supply electrical power to the secondhigh-voltage module 905.

Similarly, the system 900 includes a fourth high-voltage cable includinga fourth shielding 954 that connects the battery pack 902 to the thirdhigh-voltage module 906; a fifth high-voltage cable including a fifthshielding 955 that connects the battery pack 902 to the fourthhigh-voltage module 907; a sixth high-voltage cable including a sixthshielding 956 that connects the battery pack 902 to the fifthhigh-voltage module 908; and a seventh high-voltage cable including aseventh shielding 957 that connects the battery pack 902 to the sixthhigh-voltage module 909.

The system 900 includes a continuity detection circuit 960 connected tothe first shielding 950 and to the second shielding 952. The secondshielding 952 is connected to the first shielding 950 to form a loopwith the continuity detection circuit 960. For example, the secondshielding 952 may be connected to the first shielding 950 via a jumperin a connector that attaches the first high-voltage cable and the secondhigh-voltage cable to the first high-voltage module 904. In someimplementations, the second shielding 952 may be connected to the firstshielding 950 via a wire inside the first high-voltage module 904. Forexample, the second shielding 952 may be connected to the firstshielding 950 in the loop with the continuity detection circuit 960 asdescribed in FIG. 2 . The continuity detection circuit 960 may have anyof a variety of topologies for continuity detection. For example, thecontinuity detection circuit 960 may include a low-voltage currentsource that drives current through the loop that includes the firstshielding 950 and the second shielding 952 and a high-impedancevoltmeter configured to measure the current flowing through this loop.In some implementations, a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of anintegrated circuit is configured as part of the continuity detectioncircuit 960 to supply current or voltage that are applied to the loopincluding the first shielding 950 and the second shielding 952 and/or aGPIO pin is configured as part of the continuity detection circuit 960to measure voltage or current that flows through this loop. When theexpected current is found to flow through the loop including the firstshielding 950 and the second shielding 952 and the continuity detectioncircuit 960, the continuity detection circuit 960 determines that thefirst high-voltage cable and second high-voltage cable are properlyattached between the battery pack 902 and the first high-voltage module904. When an interruption in this expected current flow through thisloop is detected by the continuity detection circuit 960, then thecontinuity detection circuit 960 determines that an error condition hasmanifested on the first shielding 950 and/or the second shielding 952.For example, a high-voltage connector that attaches the first shielding950 and/or the second shielding 952 to the battery pack 902 or to thefirst high-voltage module 904 may become disconnected from a matedconnecter, which may be detected as an error or interruption conditionby the continuity detection circuit 960. For example, the firstshielding 950 or the second shielding 952 may become cut or severedsomewhere along their length, which may be detected as an error orinterruption condition by the continuity detection circuit 960.

In either of these two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cablebecomes disconnected), a controller of the battery pack 902 (e.g., inthe penthouse 930) may be configured to take a corrective actionresponsive to the continuity detection circuit 960 detecting that afault condition has occurred. In some implementations, the controllermay be configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thehigh-voltage battery 910 through the first conductor 940 and the secondconductor 942 responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity bythe continuity detection circuit 960. For example, the controller mayinclude a safety circuit configured to, responsive to detection of adisruption of continuity by the continuity detection circuit 960, stopcurrent flow from the high-voltage battery 910 through the firstconductor 940.

For example, the high-voltage battery 910 may be part of a vehicle(e.g., a car or a truck) including a chassis that is coupled to a groundnode of the continuity detection circuit 960. In some implementations,the system 900 includes a high-voltage module connector that attachesthe first high-voltage cable and the second high-voltage cable to a loadmodule (e.g., the first high-voltage module 904), and a jumper in thehigh-voltage module connector that connects the first shielding 950 andthe second shielding 952.

In some implementations, the continuity detection circuit 960 has directcurrent isolation from a ground node of the high-voltage battery 910.For example, the continuity detection circuit 960 and the firstshielding 950 and the second shielding 952 may be connected as shown inthe example system 200 of FIG. 2 .

The continuity detection circuit 960 may be connected to the thirdhigh-voltage cable and the fourth high-voltage cable to form a secondloop for monitoring electrical connection status between the batterypack 902 and the second high-voltage module 905 and the thirdhigh-voltage module 906. The fourth shielding 954 is connected to thethird shielding 953 via a wire 970 extending between the secondhigh-voltage module 905 and the third high-voltage module 906 to formthe second loop with the continuity detection circuit 960. Thecontinuity detection circuit 960 may be configured to detect either ofthe two fault scenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cable becomesdisconnected) and a controller of the battery pack 902 may be configuredto take a corrective action responsive to the continuity detectioncircuit 960 detecting that a fault condition has occurred on the secondloop. In some implementations, a controller of the battery pack 902 maybe configured to stop the flow of high-voltage current from thehigh-voltage battery 910 through conductors of the third high-voltagecable and the fourth high-voltage cable responsive to detection of adisruption of continuity by the continuity detection circuit 960. Forexample, the controller may include a safety circuit configured to,responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity by the continuitydetection circuit 960, stop current flow from the high-voltage battery910 through the third conductor 944. Thus, the second loop may be usedto jointly monitor the connections to the second high-voltage module 905and the third high-voltage module 906 in series.

Similarly, the continuity detection circuit 960 may be connected to theseventh high-voltage cable to form a third loop for monitoringelectrical connection status between the battery pack 902 and the fourthhigh-voltage module 907, the fifth high-voltage module 908, and thesixth high-voltage module 909. The seventh shielding 957 is connected tothe sixth shielding 956 via a wire 972 extending between the sixthhigh-voltage module 909 and the fifth high-voltage module 908, the sixthshielding 956 is connected to the fifth shielding 955 via a wire 974 inthe battery pack 902, and the fifth shielding 955 is connected to thecontinuity detection circuit 960 via a wire 976 extending between thefourth high-voltage module 907 and the battery pack 902 to form a thirdloop with the continuity detection circuit 960. The continuity detectioncircuit 960 may be configured to detect either of the two faultscenarios (i.e., a cable is cut or a cable becomes disconnected) and acontroller of the battery pack 902 may be configured to take acorrective action responsive to the continuity detection circuit 960detecting that a fault condition has occurred on the third loop. In someimplementations, a controller of the battery pack 902 may be configuredto stop the flow of high-voltage current from the high-voltage battery910 through conductors of the fifth high-voltage cable, the sixthhigh-voltage cable, and the seventh high-voltage cable responsive todetection of a disruption of continuity by the continuity detectioncircuit 960. For example, the controller may include a safety circuitconfigured to, responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity bythe continuity detection circuit 960 using the third loop, stop currentflow from the high-voltage battery 910 through the conductors of thefifth high-voltage cable. Thus, the third loop may be used to jointlymonitor the connections to the fourth high-voltage module 907, the fifthhigh-voltage module 908, and the sixth high-voltage module 909 inseries.

The system 900 may provide advantages over conventional High VoltageInterlock Loop (HVIL) systems. For example, cuts to a cable or othercable damage may be detected as fault conditions using the continuitydetection circuit 960 in a loop including shielding of one or morehigh-voltage cables. For example, the use of additional wiring tohigh-voltage connectors that attach the high-voltage cables that istypical of traditional HVIL systems may be avoided. For example, thesystem 900 may enable individual monitoring of load modules (e.g., thefirst high-voltage module 904) or monitoring of smaller groups of loadmodules that share a loop with a continuity detection circuit.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is thegathering and use of data available from various sources to improve auser experience and provide convenience. The present disclosurecontemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may includepersonal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used tocontact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data caninclude demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, emailaddresses, twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to auser's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements,medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or anyother identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personalinformation data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefitof users. For example, the personal information data can be used tobetter design future products by arranging components such ahigh-voltage distribution units or peripheral load modules to optimizeperformance in larger system (e.g., a vehicle). Thus, the use of somelimited personal information may enhance a user experience. Further,other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible forthe collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use ofsuch personal information data will comply with well-established privacypolicies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities shouldimplement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining personal information data private andsecure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and shouldbe updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personalinformation from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonableuses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimateuses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving theinformed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities shouldconsider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access tosuch personal information data and ensuring that others with access tothe personal information data adhere to their privacy policies andprocedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluationby third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacypolicies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should beadapted for the particular types of personal information data beingcollected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards,including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US,collection of or access to certain health data may be governed byfederal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries maybe subject to other regulations and policies and should be handledaccordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained fordifferent personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplatesthat hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent orblock access to such personal information data. For example, in the caseof vehicle networks, the present technology can be configured to allowusers to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in thecollection of personal information data during registration for servicesor anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not toprovide connectivity disruption data. In addition to providing “opt in”and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providingnotifications relating to the access or use of personal information. Forinstance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that theirpersonal information data will be accessed and then reminded again justbefore personal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personalinformation data should be managed and handled in a way to minimizerisks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can beminimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once itis no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including incertain health related applications, data de-identification can be usedto protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, whenappropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth,etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g.,collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level),controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users),and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use ofpersonal information data to implement one or more various disclosedembodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the variousembodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing suchpersonal information data. That is, the various embodiments of thepresent technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all ora portion of such personal information data. For example, connectivitydisruption data collection statistics can be determined by inferringpreferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimumamount of personal information, such as averages of past data, othernon-personal information available to vehicle computing services, orpublicly available information.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certainembodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to belimited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intendedto cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements includedwithin the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accordedthe broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modificationsand equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: applying a voltage to ashielding of a cable; monitoring connectivity of the cable by sensingchanges in current flow through the shielding of the cable, wherein thecurrent flow through the shielding of the cable returns via a chassis ofa vehicle; and responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity ofthe cable, stopping current flow from a power supply through a conductorof the cable that is encircled by the shielding.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein monitoring connectivity of the cable comprises: detecting astate from among a set of states including an open circuit state and astate indicating a short circuit of the shielding to the chassis of thevehicle.
 3. The method of claim 2, comprising: responsive to detectionof a state indicating a short circuit of the shielding to the chassis ofthe vehicle, stopping current flow to many adjacent load modules in thevehicle.
 4. The method of claim 2, comprising: responsive to detectionof an open circuit state, stopping current flow to a single load modulewhile continuing to allow current flow to other load modules in thevehicle.
 5. A method comprising: applying a voltage to a shielding of acable; and monitoring connectivity of the cable by sensing changes incurrent flow through the shielding of the cable.
 6. The method of claim5, comprising: responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity ofthe cable, stopping current flow from a power supply through a conductorof the cable that is encircled by the shielding.
 7. The method of claim5, comprising: responsive to detection of a disruption of continuity ofthe cable, presenting a warning message or a maintenance needed promptto user via a user interface.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinmonitoring connectivity of the cable comprises: detecting a state fromamong a set of states including an open circuit state and a stateindicating a short circuit of the shielding to a chassis of a vehicle.9. The method of claim 8, comprising: responsive to detection of a stateindicating a short circuit of the shielding to the chassis of thevehicle, stopping current flow to many adjacent load modules in thevehicle.
 10. The method of claim 8, comprising: responsive to detectionof an open circuit state, stopping current flow to a single load modulewhile continuing to allow current flow to other load modules in thevehicle.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the voltage applied to theshielding is at least a factor often smaller than high voltage appliedto a conductor of the cable that is encircled by the shielding.
 12. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the cable is an Ethernet cable.
 13. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the current flow through the shielding of thecable returns via a chassis of a vehicle.
 14. The method of claim 5,wherein the voltage applied to the shielding is 5 volts or lower. 15.The method of claim 5, wherein the voltage applied to the shielding is adirect current voltage.
 16. The method of claim 5, wherein monitoringconnectivity of the cable comprises: detecting a disruption ofcontinuity when an indication of current flow through the shieldingdeviates from an expected value by more than a threshold amount for morethan a threshold period of time.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theindication of current flow through the shielding is a measured voltagein a continuity detection circuit connected to the shielding.
 18. Amethod comprising: applying a voltage to a shielding of a cable;monitoring connectivity of the cable by sensing changes in current flowthrough the shielding of the cable, wherein the voltage applied to theshielding is at least a factor often smaller than high voltage appliedto a conductor of the cable that is encircled by the shielding; andresponsive to detection of a disruption of continuity of the cable,stopping current flow from a power supply through a conductor of thecable that is encircled by the shielding.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein monitoring connectivity of the cable comprises: detecting adisruption of continuity when an indication of current flow through theshielding deviates from an expected value by more than a thresholdamount for more than a threshold period of time.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the indication of current flow through the shielding is ameasured voltage in a continuity detection circuit connected to theshielding.